Blair silent over Leo's MMR jab

TONY BLAIR refused to tell parents yesterday whether he had allowed his 18-month-old son Leo to be given the MMR vaccine.

Challenged in the Commons by Julie Kirkbride, the Tory MP and mother of a 14-month-old boy, the Prime Minister said he would not enter into a public discussion about the health of his children.

He expressed confidence, however, in the vaccination, saying that guidelines, which advise parents to inoculate children with the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, were sound.

The Government was supported by the World Health Organisation, the British Medical Association and other health bodies, he said.

It is rare for Mr Blair to be asked questions about his family during Prime Minister's Questions. But he has come under pressure to disclose specific information about Leo amid concern that the vaccine could be linked to autism and bowel disease.